Fair-food mascot rethought after racial concerns

The 2013 Orange County Fair logo is missing Arturo, a churro, as he undergoes a makeover. Instead of wearing a sombrero, he'll be more "western" with a cowboy hat and a bandana, fair organizers say, after complaints of racial stereotyping. COURTESY OF THE ORANGE COUNTY FAIR

When it comes to something as innocent as food at the OC Fair, racial stereotyping is probably the last thing to come to mind.

But OC Fair Director Nick Berardino balked when he saw the food characters in this year's fair theme, "Come & Get It."

Fair marketers trotted out employees dressed as iconic fair food at a recent meeting, explaining that food is one of the most popular attractions each year. There was Cornelius the corn cob, Scoop the ice cream cone and Arturo the Churro, donning a sombrero and moustache.

"Arturo the Churro may have a little bit of a racial connotation," said Berardino, who is also the general manager of the Orange County Employees Association.

Marketers are apparently listening to his concerns.

They temporarily removed Arturo from the lineup and are giving the churro a "slight makeover," said fair Communications Director Robin Wachner. They'll keep his name and moustache, but instead of a sombrero, he'll have a cowboy hat and bandanna.

"So you may say, 'Oh, look, there is that bleeding heart lefty on the board, trying to be politically correct,'" Berardino said. "I just think it's something we ought to be a little more sensitive about."

Board member Dave Ellis made a suggestion: "I would support Gary the Gringo."

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.